NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams

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San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green (89) celebrates with guard Jeromey Clary (66) and receiver Keenan Allen (13) after scoring on a 4-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Bengals 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers were really good on offense last season, and there is no reason to think that changes. Philip Rivers completed a scary 69.5% of his passes in a system that fits his talents beautifully, the receiving corps (led by Keenan Allen and a duo of quality tight ends) is solid, and even Ryan Mathews made a leap forward as a ball-carrier when surrounded by Danny Woodhead last season. Honestly, they are a regression candidate simply based on just how fantastic Rivers was, but the former All-Pro has done this before, and thus, it is difficult to project a fall from grace.

The other side of the ball, however, is an adventure, as the Chargers ranked dead last in DVOA last season. However, they did add three quality players in CB Brandon Flowers, CB Jason Verrett (draft) and pass-rusher Jeremiah Attaochu (draft), and because they didn’t lose any of their top-tier talent, that is a plus. Manti Te’o and the group of young talent should (theoretically) improve, and Eric Weddle is still a top-flight safety option.

My guess? The Chargers come back to the pack offensively but still make it as a top-8 unit, while ranking somewhere in the 20-25 range defensively and finishing second in the AFC West.

The Pick: 8-8

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